Enhancement of power factor correction equipment performance using damping reactors (case study)

Overheating in the equipment and conductors can be primarily caused by harmonics in power systems. Decrease of harmonics is considered necessary, especially when capacitor banks exist. Using a detuned harmonic filter is a traditional solution. Current limiting reactors (CLR) can be an economical solution to damp harmonic pollution if installed in the optimal location. In this paper, power system studies, including: load flow, motor starting, and short circuit, are performed when placing CLR in different locations, to find the optimal location. Similarly, limitation of using CLR and costs are discussed. The study suggests CLR to reduce harmonic pollution, while detuned filters are used in case the CLR fails to satisfy the voltage regulation aspects of the network.